Do Seasickness Wristbands Actually Work? (Here’s My Honest Opinion)

Seasickness is one of the biggest worries people have before their first cruise.

The question I get asked more than anything else is whether those seasickness wristbands actually work.

They’re cheap, easy to use, and you’ll see loads of people wearing them onboard cruise ships.

But are they actually effective? Or just one of those things people hope works?

What Acupressure Seasickness Wristbands Are

Wristbands use acupressure, applying pressure to a point on your wrist that’s meant to reduce nausea.

They don’t use medication, which is a big reason people seem to be attracted to them.

You just put them on, leave them there, and forget about them!

Why People Love Them

The main reasons people experiment with seasickness wristbands are:

• They’re inexpensive and easy to buy.
• They don’t have side effects like some tablets can.
• They’re reusable and simple to use.
• They feel like a safe, low-effort option.

My Experience With Wristbands

I do sometimes get seasick, I am generally a very motion-sick person – which comes as a surprise to many!

Why would you build a business around cruising if you get seasick?

The answer is, I just love cruising!

I have cruised well over 80 times, and I can only think of a handful of times when I have felt ill.

(Most of these times were my own fault – most sensible people wouldn’t choose an Atlantic crossing in January, or a trip across the North Sea in winter to see the Northern Lights if they were prone to seasickness!)

For me, seasickness acupressure bands don’t really work.

I’ve worn them on cruises and haven’t noticed a clear difference.

That said, I still sometimes wear them just in case!

They’re cheap, harmless, and if they help even slightly, there’s no downside to wearing them.

But I certainly would never rely on seasickness bands as my only solution for seasickness.

Do Wristbands Actually Work?

Some people swear by them and won’t cruise without them.

Others, like me, don’t notice much effect at all.

There isn’t strong scientific evidence behind them.

At best, they might help mildly or may trigger a placebo effect.

What I Would Use Instead

If you’re worried about seasickness, I’d always recommend having a proper backup plan.

Over-the-counter tablets are much more reliable.

They’re designed specifically to prevent motion sickness and are widely used.

The key is taking them before you start to feel unwell.

The Captain only has to mention approaching bad weather, and I take tablets! Better safe than sorry!

Other Things That Matter More Than Wristbands

Where your cabin is on the ship can make a big difference.

Read all about my tips for choosing a good cabin position here:

What is The Best Cabin Location on a Cruise For Avoiding Seasickness? (I’ve Tried Them All!)

Spending time on deck and looking at the horizon helps your body adjust to the movement, and fresh air can quickly improve how you feel.

Avoiding heavy meals and too much alcohol early on can also help.

When I took a transatlantic crossing on Queen Mary 2, I couldn’t get outside for fresh air because they closed the outdoor decks as a safety precaution!

Have a look at that rocky winter sailing, and find out why I would never take it again here:

Common Mistakes People Make

A lot of people bring wristbands and assume that’s enough.

Then if they do feel unwell, they don’t have a “Plan B”.

It’s always better to be prepared and take seasickness tablets with you, just in case. I always keep them in my toiletries bag, along with my other standard first aid items.

Find out about other first aid items I pack in my toiletries bag here:

Staying Healthy When You Cruise, Avoiding Seasickness – Medications and First Aid Items to Pack

If you do find yourself caught short, you can buy seasickness tablets in the onboard shop (but they won’t be cheap!) or, sometimes, if you go to Reception, they have a supply of tablets they will sell to you individually.

Electrical Pulse Seasickness Bands

You can also buy bands that give you small electric shocks.

These are far more expensive, costing on average anywhere between £40/$50 and £130/$170 in the UK.

I bought one onboard a ship, as I had some free “onboard credit” I wanted to use up.

I have found it to be a total waste of time. The sensation is far worse than the seasickness, so i can’t face wearing it. It will certainly take your mind off the seasickness though…

My Advice

If you want to try Acupressure wristbands, go for it.

They’re cheap and won’t cause you any problems.

But don’t rely on them completely. Bring a backup supply of medication so you’re covered either way.

I never go on a cruise expecting to feel seasick, because I rarely do. But I always make sure I am well prepared and have seasickness medication to take if I need it.

Have a look at a rocky Christmas cruise I took from the UK to the Canary Islands in the video below. As the days of bad weather went by, more and more of my party got seasick – but some weren’t affected by it at all!

Before You Go:

Find out all my best tips for preventing seasickness below – from what to eat, to cabin location, to itinerary choices:

13 Actionable Tips to Prevent and Treat Seasickness on a Cruise

Find out why cabin location is so important when it comes to seasickness here:

Why This Cruise Cabin “Upgrade” Was Worse (Don’t Let This Happen to You)!